Properties : Ephedrine is a vasoconstrictor sympathomimetic drug . It has alpha – and beta- adrenergic activity , in therapeutic doses it raises blood pressure by increasing cardiac output and also by inducing peripheral vasoconstriction . Ephedrine can accelerate the heart rate so it is effective in management of bradycardia . Ephedrine also may cause bronchodilatation effect .

Indications & usage : § Ephedrine ampoule is used as an emergency method for elevating blood pressure in case reversal of hypotension from spinal or epidural anaesthesia and management of associated bradycardia . § Ephedrine can be used as bronchodilator in case of reversible airways obstruction if clearly needed .

Dosage & administration : - For reversal of hypotension from spinal or epidural anesthesia : 0.25ml of Ephedrine ampoule (30mg/ml) is given by slow intravenous injection and repeated every 3-4 minutes according to response to maximum 1ml (30mg). - Ephedrine ampoule can also be injection intramuscularly or subcutaneously .